MADISON, Wis. — A Madison school-centric nonprofit is working to help teachers who spend their own money on back to school expenses.

The Madison Metropolitan School District's teachers collectively spend approximately $1.5 million annually out-of-pocket to meet basic student needs, according to estimates from the Madison Public School Foundation. The organization has created the Teacher Support Network to address the financial burden.

"We thought that was kind of silly. Like what other profession requires you to spend your own money to set up for your own professional work?" said Tom Qualls, the foundation's community engagement director.

The Teacher Support Network delivers supplies to all 52 Madison schools throughout the year, allowing school staff to request what they need most. The

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